North Ayrshire Heritage Trails

North Ayrshire Heritage Trails

North Ayrshire Heritage Trails

Millport, Cathedral of the Isles

Cumbrae - Explore Cumbrae

"Hush Hush"; WWII Anti-Submarine Detection Base

The Osprey Centre Site is private land. Please do not enter.

These buildings called Greycraigs at Eerie Port started off as part of the Clyde defence against submarine attack in World War II. The larger building contained equipment which was used to listen for enemy vessels, the smaller one was accommodation for the staff and the smallest was the listening room. Using amplification devices and hydrophones they hoped to detect submarines trying to get to the upper parts of the Clyde. The complex was protected by a small machine-gun emplacement.

The buildings became know to the locals as 'Hush Hush' partly because of their clandestine nature but more because of the quiet needed to detect the enemy.

After the war they were acquired by The Community Association of St George's and St Peter's Church in Easterhouse, Glasgow and used as a holiday centre. However, the 'Hush Hush' became run down and dangerous and the Association had to stop using it.

Then in July 1992 the buildings were renovated in a television programme called Challenge Anneka. The presenter, Anneka Rice, had to persuade local businesses to donate time and materials to complete the task in three days. This was accomplished with the help of Harcros Mactaggart builders, Ian McBay blacksmith and Pirie Roofing. Other local help came from the Ritz Café who supplied ice cream and Jim Newton who owned the amusement arcade who donated a pool table.

Unfortunately, no thought was given to the historic nature of the contents of the 'Hush Hush' and any war-time remains were destroyed.

Today the buildings are Greycraigs Outdoor Centre and Osprey Holiday and Conference Centre.